Thanksgiving in New Orleans

Kiki's first plane ride was surprisingly easy. She slept at the take-offs and happily played (mostly) during the ride.

It definitely helped that there were three of us to keep her happy, well fed, and rested.


We settled into Theresa's 1-bdm hotel timeshare. The uncles had the couch while the Paik-Powells had the bedroom.

Kiki had a blast playing with her uncles. And I think they had fun, too.


Kiki and I headed south to Harvey to visit her great-great grandparents, or as Scott calls them, her hal-halmoni and her hal-halabogi.

They were all smitten with each other. They even helped babysit, feed and play with her. Kiki particularly loved standing while holding her great-grandmother's walker.


On probably the best morning in New Orleans history, we drove out to Oak Alley Plantation to tour one of the most beautiful sites in the South.


It was a really fun place to take pictures.




Thanksgiving was filled with lots of food (Korean and American) and lots of family (Korean and American).

Because there were so many of us, we all just ate wherever we could find a flat surface. This made for a really casual and relaxed evening.




Kiki loved being surrounded by so many people who love her. And she didn't seem to mind when her halmoni and hal-halmoni fought over her.


Our last meal together as a group was a wonderful jazz brunch at the Court of Two sisters, courtesy of Andy. It was absolutely decadent, with enough dishes for everyone to make a pig of themselves.


Jason tried to sample all the desserts, but could only manage a few favorites. Pineapple upside cake, coconut cake, oreo cake, chocolate mousse cake, pecan pie, cheesecake, ice cream.

(clapping for the jazz, maybe also the food)

Kiki was a good sport and let everyone have a turn holding her.


After brunch, we took a stroll around the French Quarter to walk off the food. It was strangely cold, as cold as it ever gets in New Orleans. And colder than we were prepared for. We made do.



Kiki really grew and blossomed during this trip. She learned a lot of new games, made lots of new friends, and became much more outgoing.

Now, if only I can get her back on a regular sleep schedule!